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If I'm doing a software overhaul of my system, but don't want to lose all the hard work I've done to properly title all the tracks I've ripped, then what file do I copy over to the new install?
Or is it all a little more complicated than that?
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Posted: |
Jul 1, 2015 - 1:48 PM
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By: |
Solium
(Member)
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If I'm doing a software overhaul of my system, but don't want to lose all the hard work I've done to properly title all the tracks I've ripped, then what file do I copy over to the new install?
Or is it all a little more complicated than that?
At the minimum you need to back up two things onto another drive.
(1) All your songs. (mp3 files)
(2) "Music" or "iTunes" folder, which is inside your "Music" folder.
There are several important files, "iTunes Library.itl", "iTunes Music Library.xml", (also album art file, genius file, extras file etc.) You may also have downloaded videos.
Because of this I suggest you copy either the entire "Music" folder or at the very least "Itunes" folder which is in the "Music" folder onto an external drive or disc.
Reformat your computer.
Rename the new default "Music" or "iTunes" folders so you have a back up in case you make a mistake. (Rename something like, Music Default Copy and or iTunes Default Copy)
Replace your music exactly in the same location as it was before. (If it wasn't in your iTunes folder)
Then copy over the "Music" or "iTunes" folder.
As I said from the start its probably best just to copy the entire "Music" folder and then copy that over to your computer. So it should be just one easy step. (assuming your music is in that folder too)
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Thanks, Solium! This is not the sort of info they feature on the official iTunes pages! I really don't want to have to re-title all my classical and other titles like FSM's Ben-Hur. That would be a pain in the gulliver!
Just one more question, if I may...
My iTunes install is located on the non-operating-system D: partition, while I set the music files to rip to an external F: hard drive. Are there any alterations to your method based on this info?
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Not sure if I understand the question. Let me know if any of these answer it.
Yes, Solium, I was asking the wrong question. Here's what I really want to know: Where is the iTunes folder or file that keeps only the track titles that have been entered for the compact discs you enter into your optical drive. That's what I'm most concerned about losing.
I want to preserve this data (and have it remain operable) so that, if I toss previous rips, I can do new ones without doing all that typing labor. This data goes away with a system re-format.
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I guess the real question might be: What iTunes file or folder contains the compact disc metadata, and not the mp3 file metadata. Does anyone know that?
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The reason I'm not pin pointing the exact iTunes meta file is because I don't want you to accidentally wipe something you need you didn't think of in this process. So just backup the entire iTunes folder then replace.
Solium, my method is to preserve all mp3 files on the external hard drive, entirely re-format the system, then install the latest iTunes, which I direct to find the music files after installing.
I have no interest in preserving any iTunes preferences or settings; I'll just re-do all that. As long as the music files are in no danger, I'm cool.
My only sticking point is that I'd love to be able to drop that compact disc info file into the new iTunes install, essentially just have the new install utilize the pre-existing file with the CD data.
I think I can handle this, even if it's a bit delicate. And I won't hold you responsible if anything goes wrong.
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